What do you do when two people you love are fighting with each other? You have a ringside view to a sparring match of epic proportions. In this fight there are no rules; and the antagonists fight dirty. Each is protecting their heart from pain so the blows they inflict, aim to hurt. They know each other's weak spots and pull no punches in taking those shots.
And as each blow rains down you watch helplessly from the sidelines. You have tried stepping in innumerable times already – trying to soothe – but all your efforts have earned you are a few choice knocks. So you retire in haste and watch as the battle continues. You can't take sides in this fight and there is no winning involved. It's just a never-ending conflict with a relationship deteriorating before your very eyes.
The Bible says, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” But in this battle, 'peace' seems to be wishful thinking; a lovely dream but never reality.
As I write this I can sense helplessness, despair and weariness crowd my mind and I feel the hopelessness seep into my bones. I wish desperately that I could walk away from these two beloved people who are hurting each other so deeply; though I know I can't. Emotionally spent, I don't even have the strength to pray. Yet, finally, I just lay my head down on a table and cry for mercy. I don't think they can take any more and neither can I.
And that well-known verse quietly steps into my mind -
“Come to Me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
So I lay my heavy heart and weary mind at His feet and kneel before my God and King. He is God. He still reigns. That is reality. That is truth. And as I worship Him for who He is, peace floods my soul. He is the Prince of Peace.
I can safely entrust my warring loved ones into His care. He is the peacemaker. He is the One who can reconcile and heal broken relationships. As impossible as it may seem to me, He can, for He is the God who specialises in impossible situations! I know He will take infinite care. After all, He loves them more than I ever can!
These lines from my favourite hymn – “It Is Well With My Soul” - seem appropriate:
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
He who regards my helpless state, sees their troubled state too. The One who shed His blood for me, did so for them too. And as it is well with my soul, my heart is filled with hope that it will be well with their souls too.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
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